Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient to take canagliflozin as directed. Take missed doses as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for next dose; do not double doses. Advise patient to read the Medication Guide before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.

Explain to patient that canagliflozin helps control hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is usually long term.

Instruct patient not to share this medication with others, even if they have the same symptoms; it may harm them.

Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water, and notify health care professional.

Instruct patient in proper testing of blood glucose and urine ketones. Inform patient that canagliflozin will cause a positive test result when testing for urine glucose. Monitored closely during periods of stress or illness and health care professional notified if significant changes occur.

Inform patient that canagliflozin may cause yeast infections. Women may have signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection (vaginal odor, white or yellow vaginal discharge [may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese], vaginal itching). Men may have signs and symptoms of a yeast infection of the penis (redness, itching, or swelling of penis; rash on penis; foul smelling discharge from penis; pain in skin around penis). Advise patient to notify health care professional if yeast infection occurs.

Advise patient to notify health care professional promptly if rash; hives; or swelling of face, lips, or throat occur.

Inform patient of increased risk for urinary tract infections, hypotension, and bone fractures and discuss factors that may increase risk.

Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications, especially other oral hypoglycemic medications.

Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breast feeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Improved hemoglobin A1C and glycemic control in adults with Type II diabetes.